This register will be available online and can be freely consulted by the public. Linked with this register, the Commission has adopted a code of conduct setting out clear and precise rules to guide the activities of lobbyists in their dealings with the Commission. Acceptance of the code of conduct is a requirement for entry in the register.

In 2005, the European Transparency Initiative (ETI) started taking steps to enhance public trust in the EU institutions by making them more open and accessible, and by increasing the accountability of EU policymaking. There are four concrete objectives of the ETI: 1) publication of the beneficiaries of EU funding, 2) standards for public consultation, 3) professional ethics for EU office-holders and staff, and 4) a structured framework for the activities of interest representatives (lobbyists, etc.).

A Green Paper was published in May 2006 to spark a public debate with stakeholders on these issues. It identified the need for a more structured framework for the activities of lobbyists.

In its communication "Follow-up to the Green Paper 'European Transparency Initiative'", the Commission proposed, among other things, the creation of a voluntary register for lobbyists. In the interest of full transparency, organisations that register will be asked to disclose information about what their mission is, who they represent, and how they are funded, thus ensuring that both policymakers and the public can assess the strength of the interests promoting a particular policy option.

The Commission recognises that lobbying is a legitimate, even essential part of democratic decision making, whether it is carried out by consultancies, private companies, NGOs, law firms, think tanks or trade associations.

The Commission needs and appreciates the input it gets from such organisations, but in return asks their cooperation in showing the public that the relationship is based on high standards of probity and transparency.

Source: ec.europa.eu

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